Who Makes Better Music? Egypt Or Lebanon

Egypt has always been there as the home of Arabic music, anyone who is anybody must make a stop in Egypt in order to be on the radar. Because most TV networks have traditionally been based there, Egypt is a huge market and they tend to have an industry going in there full time. To Egypt, entertainment is their black gold. A cash cow of sort that keeps many families afloat.

But in the early 2000,  the power has started to shift, Lebanon has stabilized, and has been made the home of many TV networks and cool cafes. More and more Lebanese venture into music--movies are only coming from Egypt, but in music the Egyptian pop has been losing traction to generations of Lebanese stars who have returned home to make good music. The ones in Lebanon has also taken advantage of internet marketing, they no longer have to go to Egypt to be famous, they can have their own show on the internet and make money form home--in theory.

Also Lebanon tends to be a lot more liberal than the entertainment industry in Egypt--less censorship and more investments form wealth business men from the Arab Gulf who seem to have bet their money in Lebanon. Combined with a zombie phase most Egyptian composers have gone under--they were not making hot records from 2002--to 2008. What was the last Amr Diab hit? In that phase Tamer Hosny has prospered and good hard working entertainers were left in the dark.

But then again the Gulf started buying out all those big names, they would hire the top entertainers from Egypt and Lebanon, give their amazing lyrics--mostly poems and invite them to record the songs free of charge. Sometimes the Arab entertainer would make a bank from one hit song. The Gulf still buys music--they can afford to. And they tend to be more generous with their concerts and private events--no star would turn them down.

Yes, Egypt has kept its place, they were down for few years, but starting 2010 and better songs are coming out from that country, better albums and bigger stars. Sure, the Arab Spring did not help, but everyone was done for a while. Egypt will always be there, it's a sure thing. They have an industry that's a 100 year old--no other Arab country come even close. Sure, some might hate the Egyptian dominance, but at ultimately, they are 90 million strong.

I would put my money on Egypt any-day, but that does not mean that Lebanon cannot compete, in face I think competition is great for everyone. 

Spanish Guitar With John H. Clarke

Something about Arab/Muslim rule over Spain for almost 800 years tells me about our limitless love and admiration to that Spanish guitar--an instruments some argue was invented or at least improved by Muslims musician with the name Zoriab, history aside, they make good music over in that country, it reminds us of the relaxing times--maybe by the seaside.

American guitar music is much different that the one in Spain but thanks to an increased wave of Latin American musicians, the Spanish guitar is finding its way all the way to North America. Many people adore this instrument and many pretend to play it too. But nothing beats the acoustics guitar, it's the dreamy instrument that for long has seduced men and women into falling in love.

Thanks to John H. Clarke who made this lovely piece below. Keep in mind, most Arab composers launch their career the moment someone gives them a guitar.

عزف جيتار اسباني رائعة رمانسيه

Hady Khalil Throwback 90s Pop In His Prison Song

I thought to hear this kind of Egyptian pop music, I had to go back to 1990 and listen to one of the guys who are in their 40s now. But no, we now get a guy with the name Hady Khalil and he likes to sing the tunes of that time. He sounds like a younger brother of Iraqi big in Egypt pop star Baha Sultan.

Not sure why he is performing the song while talking on a payphone--also something you have to go all the way back to the 90s to see. He is in a jail house and his guard is the one he loves. She is wearing the uniform too. This can be insulting and only married people can relate to this concept.

Love is no prion my friend. The song is entertaining, the music video might be loved by the teens and the older people who are stuck in a lousy marriage.

Egrahny - Hady Khalil اجرحنى - هادى خليل

RIP: Legendary Actor Ahmed Ramzi Passes Away

Egyptian actor Ahmed Ramzy passes away. And his funeral arrangements are on the way. Among his most memorable films are co-starred along funnyman Ismail Yaseen. They were not friends but they were a great team, they made four movies together. A movie they made together cost 18 thousand Egyptian pound, it made 300 thousand in revenue. His last appearance in on Drama was in 2000 "Wajeh Al Qamar" alongside Fatin Hamamh.

Ahmed passed away in one of the towns on the Northern Beach of Egypt, an airplane and permits are being organized to bring his body back to Cairo for funeral and burial. He was 82 years old, and died due to complication when he fell after losing his balance. He is survived by his wife Nicole whom he was married to after he has quit the show business. He has married three times, first tin 1985, Najwa Foad was the second--both the first and second wife gave him children. But Nicole is the last wife of his

Ahmed Ramzy has 111 movies to his name, many of them are classics in the Arab cinema. He is the son of an Egyptian physician and a sottish mother. Ramzy was a student of business until he entered into the movie and sport business. His friendship with Omar Sharif helped introduced him in one of his movies "Ayman El Helowa" Or Our Beautiful Days.

Watch Ahmed Ramzy talk about opening his shirt and his chain back in 1965. He also talked about the blue eye he has hanging on his chest for protection. He has been dubbed the Don Juan of Egyptian Cinema

نجمك المفضل - احمد رمـــزى


احمد رمزى يتحدث عن اسماعيل يس

Introducing George Zghaib, "Miracle Child" Of Arabic Music

He is a little Lebanese boy who has been rocking Arabic music news with his talent. He plays a mean lute "oud" and does a great job covering classics of the Arabic songs. Pretty much all the legends he has memorized songs for them and can perform them life. People go wild for this boy and I have been burried in stories about him.

They call me the "miracle child" he is like a magician with that lute, I am speechless! This guy is getting people excited. Young people like him who have such talent have a bright future for them--they just need to be children. Lebanon continues to impress me with surprises liked boy George. Reports have confirmed George  residing in the Lebanese home of Syrian singer George Wassouf.

Not sure what the future holds for George but we have had stars start at a young age do songs like those. Singers like George Wassouf, Wael Jassar, Asalah and Angham started at a young age--they seem to have done well for themselves.

Georges Zgheib akhadou al ri7


الطفل الموهبة جورج زغيب يعزف و يغني ...أنا بعشقك


Al Jaras - الجرس - الطفل جورج زغيب يغني لعبدالحليم حافظ

Toni Qattan Coffee And Traditional Arab Marriages

Toni Qattan might be this summer's biggest music surprise, he has seen so many music festivals and traveled across the Arab world including Palestine for concerts. He is a big deal in Jordan and Lebanon too. But his latest single which I did not love at first is shown that the guy is a hit-maker.

Using the Bedouin dialect to tell of the marriage tradition when a family asks for the hand of a young lady into marriage to one of their boys. They have to serve coffee and let the elders talk about this union. The song turned out to be a hit and embraced by both ladies and men alike. It's a happy song about a wedding season. Toni did well with the song and he has performing it all summer long.

طوني قطان - قهوتكو مشروبة (مهرجان ليالي القلعة 2012)

The All Moroccan Songstress Naima Samih

Naima Samih is an icon in the world of Moroccan songs, she is one of its early pioneers. She entered the singing business when there was only men in that industry, she sang and impressed people. Thus she earned her stripes in this traditional society.  She had to struggle with the men of her family so lunch her career, she did start in the late sixties and flourished in the early seventies.

At first she sang with no music to avoid upsetting the religious folks as she was no in position to battle them. She owned the local Moroccan song and took it into new territories. The slower song is her shtick. Among her most known hits is Jarabit We Jareet a song that deserves to be heard by more people--no different that Warda or Mayada really.

She is a mixture of Arab and north African tribes, she continues to make music and live in a small town. She is a frequent guest in local music festivals.

نعيمه سميح - جريت و جاريت - توزيع جديد


Naima Samih _ Shofte L'Khatem * نعيمة سميح ـ شفت الخاتم وعجبني‏

Meehad Hamad (ميحد حمد), The Old School Gulf Music

Gulf Music has gone through a lot of changes lately as it has incorporated a number of foreign musical elements that may have jeopardize its core essence. But at least I have StumbleUpon upon a guy who keeps his music fresh by maintaining its original flavor.

Meehad Hamad was born in a small town in the United Arab Emirates. He had a rough childhood and has seen a lot of misery in his life because his father was unable to get employment, but things changed and the father had a son whom he named Meehad. Meehad is an old Arabic name that comes in and brings poverty to his family--but in the UAE no one uses that name anymore.

Meehad grew up singing poems to local sheikhs and celebrated poets, he has been a fixture in national events in his country. Among the names of poets is the founder and president of the United Arab Emirates Sheikh Zayid, and also it s current top cop Dahy Khalafan. Meehad has also sang for the national soccer team in the 90s when they were on top of their game.

Meehad's latest album came in 2006--the album was an instant hit in the United Arab Emirates and among his fans all over the Gulf region. he releases a new album every three years. Meehad has a very manly voice and a lovable personality. Meehad continues to release singles that keep it real in his distinct Baudouin style

ميحد حمد - سحر عيونة 

The Day Oum Kalthoum Met Sheikh Zayed

In the country of the United Arab Emirates, there's name you must know, Sheikh Zayed. He is the founder of that boom in the desert, a visionary who has made miracles out of little resources, a man who invested in the human resources and the capital of his country. Abu Dhabi would have never been possible without this leader and without his love for change and challenges.

The now late leader, is remembered is a man who liked music. Here's a picture of his when he has invited the lady, the diva and the legend of Oum Kalthoum to come perform in his country. In 1971 she met with him too, he gave her a pearl necklace and she performed two sold out concerts. Prior to the oil boom, the UAE was known for pearl diving. The necklace was made in 1880 and it is now been offered for an auction. They are estimating it will bring 80 to 120 thousand US dollars.

The concert was planned for his fifth year anniversary as the ruler of the now United Arab Emirates.

Sheikh Zayed is in our Hearts زايد باقي في قلوبنا

Weird! Every time Disaster Strikes, Someone Makes A Song

When people are sad, they want to be given an opportunity to recover from it. Kind words, best wishes and such are helpful. I am not sure making songs is the best way to help people recover--what good does it really do? I give you this, songs often fit commemoration sad occasions and parented to honor the victims. When in reality  it's all self serving and it's all about personal glory.

If I am wrong why each time, a song like this plays, a commercial to buy a coke, or a washing detergent plays? Because, they need to pay the bills, and sobbing alone does not bring anything.

Take the massacre that took place in the Sinai desert--the fallen hero were gunned down by thugs, and clowns who use religion to achieve their own narrow agendas. Yet, the singers of Egypt could not leave it alone and instead put together an old song and brought it back.

When the song Seena was released few years ago, nobody cared much. Now it comes back to life. While I love the song, I have no clue how it helps. They made songs about peace yet people have none. Maybe I am being cynical, but someone has to look at things in a different light.

Various - Seena / المجموعة - سيناء

Angham's "Hekaya Mohamadia" Album Is Really Magnificant

In the fall of 2010, during the month of Ramadan Angham released an all Islamic songs album (hekaya-mohamadia), where she told tales of the early Muslim ladies of Islam, the wives and the daughters of the prophet. It was a VERY clever idea that few have though of. Angham is a strong female personality and thus she was worthy of adding her voice to those stories. The album sold well, but it was never about the money.

Needless to say, when I play those tracks, Roa would tell me she doe snot like Angham's voice, she did not feel it, but I did. So I would have to listen to my favorite Ramadan album on my own. I thought the stories she told are important factual tales form the Islamic history. Thus young girls need to hear such stories and learn form them.

The lyrics are written by Nabil Khalaf, a gifted composers who made other religious themes albums that rocked the boat--I am speaking of his collaboration with Wael Jassar. Back to Angham, she really connected all the dots and rose to a new level with this sobering album

This album is a much better representation of positive chapters from the Muslim history. Chances are those are burning down embassies will be the same one condemning Angham for singing because she is a female.

 أسماء بنت أبي بكر رضي الله عنها بصوت أنغام


فيديو أغنية: أم أيمن - الحكاية محمدية - أنغام

Funnyman Adel Imam Won't Go To Jail, Says Court

Back in February 2012, a lower court in Egypt found the seasoned Egyptian comedic actor Adel Imam guilty of disrespecting religion and being offensive. They have given him a three month jail sentence and a fine of roughly 2 thousand US dollars. He appealed with a higher court and was backed by pretty much everyone with a brain in Egypt.

Today he was cleared of those charges, and the decision is final. The court has found the actor innocent as he did not intend to offend any religion, but he wanted to show some negative manners and behaviors in the Egyptian society.  I think this is a fair trial and did away with all the media wars. Court of laws should be Independent and they have shown as much. All these talking heads need to feel ashamed. And Mr. Asran Mansour, the attorney who have brought the case should stop his senseless attacks on entertainers.

Imam is Arab world's most famous living comic actors. The actor has frequently poked fun at authorities and politicians during a 40-year career, has one month to appeal and will remain free until that process was concluded today. Adel Imam cheered the ruling and have spoke well of both the legal system and the entertainment industry in Egypt

Adel Imam Mout dial dahk

WATCH: Najwa Karam Sings At Ragheb Alama's Wedding

This is an old video from the Lebanese TV archive, Ragheb was on top of his career and he was the cool kid who knows what the ladies want to say. Everyone tried to copy his style, but he copied nobody and decided to have an open wedding where he invited his friend to sing for him and for his bride.

See this vintage video for the queen of Lebanese music Najwa Karam at an earlier time and simpler times. She looked different, but she sounded a 100 percent like she sounds now. Najwa rocked the party and Raghb looked so funny dancing to Najwa's song. His dance moves are funny and can only come from a  guy who has never danced or someone who is under a great deal of stress.

Ragheb Alama is now dubbed Mr. GQ and a super star, he dresses well and now has launched his line of men cologne. I hope he can look at this video and laugh about it, not feel embarrassed. Love can make us do and say goofy stuff.

نجوى كرم تغني حفل زفاف المطرب راغب علامة

As Always, Magida El Roumi Stays Classy

Lebanese composer Melhim Barakat was reported to have been feeling not too happy about his song not being made the lead song of the album. His song was made the lead song, it's the number one song in the album and yes, it's a great song where the composer does an incredible job.

But in Mr. Barakat's world, he wanted the song to be the promo song--the one all radios will play to drum up marketing for the new album. Magida has maintained her position of respect love and appreciation for this composer. She was asked about the feud and has taken the high road. She has akways made classy music and that was personal because she is a classy lady.

This is a great album that did not had a perfect release date due to the ongoing ever changing Arab world. Watch this report about her concert in Lebanon, she attended the press conference for the Batroun International Music Festival. Go forth Magida and keep your head high, you make good music and let those critics who want to make names for themselves by bashing you.

ماجدة الرومي: هذا هو ردِّي على ملحم بركات

Samira Tawfik's Best Hit Songs Are Here

I call her the dark pearl of Lebanese songs, the lady of Lebanon's other people, the line that rocked hard and  the original mountain side vocalist, and the legendary singer who continues to inspire the career of dozens of young Lebanese singers

Samira was not the hottest girl in the room, but what she might have lacked in good looks made up for in confidence and attitude that moved generations. Samira did not have a chance in making it in her home, so she made a habit of singing in Jordan and Syria where she has made a huge name for herself and then came back home and was treated as an iconic lady. Then she made movies too and did well then. Her first songs were recorded in Jordan using the Jordanian Bedouin style

Her career took her to all those fine places where the Lebanese expats live (In Australia she performed in front of Queen Elizabeth, in Mexico she performed too, in Venezuela she performed and was given an ward by the Parliament, she has also performed in France, London and Africa)

Samira is still alive with us, living at home but struggling with a number of health issues that come with age. She has made a lot of people happy and for that the people are grateful. A collection of her best and most famous songs is below

اجمل اغاني سميرة توفيق

Nasr Mahrous and The Making (and Marketing) of Top Pop Stars

Sherine Abdelwahab, Tamer Hosny, Baha Sultan, Diab, Suma, Khalid Agag, Mohammed Foaud, Mohammed Mohie and a dozen more household name in Egyptian pop have all been branded and brough to the spotlight by one humble Egyptian man that goes with the name Nasr Mahrous, a music producer. Nasier owns the label Free Music and was the guy who made stars before Rotana ever could. He made and produced top quality songs turning them into hits. Nasr seems to be most proud of his collaboration with the late legendary singer Mohammed Roshdy.

the last thing, I have seen of his work was the music video for Baha Sultan, a really good one that cam elate last year. Nasr knows all about shots and production. Nasr is a producer, director, lyricist and and if needed to, he can sing. Nasr's father was a music producer before him and Ameer, Nasr's brother is one of the top sound engineers in Arabia. This is the work of an all Cairo family that likes the business and the art side of their work.

Nasr started in the 80s by selling cassettes and distributing them around Egypt. In the 90s he started releasing a series of various artists under the label Free Mix--those sold huge. That also included a Free Baby tape, that had many silly but lovable hits. Nasr uses a decent formula, which is making mix tapes for new names, if those names have hits, then he and produced them an entire album. Nasr has tried his hand on feature films by releasing Captain Hima, a romantic comedy with Tamer Hosny and Ziena.

Some of those stars might not work with Nasr's lable, but they still all refer to him as big brother who gives them advise as needed. Perhaps the two names who are considered Nasr's greatest commercial success, I would count Tamer Hosny and Sheine, they are the biggest money maker in Egyptian pop at the moment.


Making of "Soma - Da Habiby" كواليس كليب "سوما - ده حبيبي"

Making of "Shirene - Mabtefrahsh" كواليس "مابتفرحش - شيرين"

Making Of "Khalid Aggag - Wahdany" كواليس "وحداني - خالد عجاج"

Laila Nazmi, The Ditsy Egyptian Songstress

Laila Nazmi is a little known Egyptian singer who did a number of light and catchy songs in the the late 60s and 70s. She did the cute songs played the ditsy personality so well. Her songs were humorous and supposed to be a fun dance songs. One more thing not to forget about her, she is from the great city of Alexandria. She did go to music school and graduated in 1968, so she got her education, but her music appealed to those who less education.

I am sure during her time, critics have spoke ill of her (how dare she?) But time has shown them wrong, she is a legend now and her music has been remade by just about every girl who wants to be that ditsy girl who just wants to have fun. Laila's songs are now part of the Egyptian folklore

Laila did small town songs about the girl who falls for the guy next door and tries to win him over by winning over his mother. Her second most famous song is about her not liking tea as she likes a pop instead. I know it sounds lame, but we all grew listening to those songs, and they seem to be favorites at weddings. Laila has starred in  number of movies

 ليلى نظمي أمّا نعيمة


ليلى نظمي - ماشربش الشاي

A Tribute To Egypt's Women And Their Achievements

People who study history know women have always had a role in making it, sometimes this role is behind the scene, sometimes it's ion the front lines. While some overestimate the role of women, many underestimate it. The Arab world is no different in this sense than the rest of the world. Others might have a different attitude about it, but still there is bias out there.

In Egypt, there have always been those strong women, in literature, in journalist, in politics, social movements and in just about every field. The slides are in Arabic, but they do bring a number of known and unknown women in the modern history of Egypt. The music accompanying the video is is nothing short of dazzling

These slides present a group of pioneer women in the modern history of Egypt in various fields. They contributed to our civilization. They are a window to know our past, shaping our present and building the future. The slides had been produced in cooperation with Woman and Memory Forum, the slides have been designed by Heba Helmy.

حتي لا ننسي... للنساء تاريخ....تاريخ مصر

Tell Your Mom! Nadia Moustafa's is BACK

One of the iconic singers from the 80s is a lady with a golden hair Nadia Moustafa. The Egyptian singer who dominated the charts of her time, and has made many people happy including my own mother and mother in law has just released a new song into the world.

I do not know why she has disappeared and why she chose to came out of her retirement, but I am glad she did. Her pal singer Medhat Saleh is still in the business and has not hang her microphone yet. Her comeback song is about not letting the guy get away with a wrong behavior.

The music video tells a love story of two people--models not Nadia. The guy is mean and the lady is full of life. Then comes Nadia who has manged to maintain her good looks. The song has been sang by Assala earlier this year. It was written from the Gulf, a poem of course.

Someone did a great job getting Nadia to do this song, we have missed her voice and her grace. welcome back Nadia. One thing, why have the comments been disabled? I am sure people were saying some mean stuff. The song is a bout a women who will not take it anymore--she leaves the guy and gets in the car with another lady--Nadia Moustafa.

A great song hard to imagine it was written by a dude.

Nadia Moustafa - Ma Asmahlak / نادية مصطفى - ما اسمحلك

Ali Abdel Sattar Sang My All Time Favorite Gulf Song

Technically, he did not intend to make a big hit. I am learning that he made this song for his little kid, he wanted to sing it for him--"I love him and I like to hear his tales". This was the song that introduced generations to Gulf music as a hip and catchy song easy to fall in love to and music that gets you to move around. I was in Dubai at that time and his song was on every radio and in every cassette store, at that moment I know music can gap about of differences....

Ali Abdel Sttar is actually from Qatar and he is proud this way. He has a sweet voice that sounds the way it would had he not been a big name. I am trying to say he has that intimate voice, he is not the one to party, he  does a lot of business ventures on the side and as we can tell he has a loving supportive family. He does have this wide name recognition across the Arab world.

Ya Nas Ahba came in the late 80s and paved the way to Ali Abdel Star stardom. He kept at is in the 2000s, but then quit briefly once his contract with Rotana expired. I do not think he has ever made a song that rivaled his initial hit song. But in other news, his son is getting into the singing business as his father has produced that album for Naif--the son.

HD علي عبدالستار يا ناس احبه YouTube